Grading the New Orleans Saints Off-Season

The Saints started the off-season with a bang, and not in a good way. It was leaked (by Jeremey Shockey if you ask Warren Sapp) that the Saints had a bounty program and boy did the get nailed. Their HC is suspended for the entire year, their G.M. is suspended for 8 games, the team got hit with two 2nd round picks and a lot of money. They might have been hit with the Superbowl Host curse–but despite that the show must go on as the say and the Saints have been busy.

Marques Colston, WR, signs five-year deal with $19-$20 million guaranteed.

Colston has a history of injuries, but is a great fit in the Saints system. Getting him to re-sign for 5 years and 20 million guaranteed is a pretty good deal considering what WR were getting on the open market. The Saints know he can produce in New Orleans and produce big time with Drew Brees.

Grade B

The injury history is a bit bothersome, but I always like bringing back your own players at market value or lower because there is no chemistry issues to work out, no schemes to figure out.

Ben Grubbs, G, signs five-year deal worth $36 million.

The Saints lost out on Carl Nicks, but replaced him with Ben Grubbs. While not quite a lateral move, it’s a good move none the less. Grubbs is one of the league’s best interior offensive lineman–Nicks was arguably the best. The Saints rely on a balanced offense so maintaining the terrific talent along the OL was important.
Brodrick Bunkley, DT, signs five-year deal worth $25 million.

For a few years know the Saints have been trying to find ways to improve their DT play. They drafted Sedrick Ellis which has turned out to be a good move, but they have tried numerous other options that haven’t worked out that well. Bunkley is not much of a pass rusher, but is really good against the run. The Saints had to get tougher in the middle of their defense and Bunkley was terrific start.

Grade B+

Adding a good DL never comes cheap, but getting Bunkley at about 5 million per year is a good move. Considering the Giants had to pay Chris Canty more than that a few years ago (when salaries were generally lower it seems) and Canty is pretty much a one trick pony too. Good signing.

Chris Chamberlain, LB, signs three-year deal

This is just an average move. The Saints still need to get better in their LB corp, Chamberlain is coming off a career year with the Rams. A year in which he had 81 tackles and a pair of sacks.

Grade B-

A guy who could potentially win a starting job for the Saints on the outside, but also a player who provides terrific depth incase he doesn’t.
Curtis Loton, LB, signs five-year deal

Stealing a good player from a division rival is a great move. The move is kind of unexpected because the Saints best defensive player by reputation is MLB Jon Vilma. However, Vilma is a prime suspect in the bounty gate issue and could face a suspension. The Saints might be doing a preemptive strike so to speak for the MLB position adding in Lofton. If Vilma is not suspended he could move to the outside to play strong side linebacker pretty effectively.

Grade B+

Overall

This grade is hard to figure it you take into consideration losing their head coach for a year and two 2nd round draft picks it is probably a C- or D. However the moves they made on the field were pretty good. They really added some serious talent to their defense. Bunkley is not a star, but he’s a good solid player who will really help out against the run. Lofton is one of the best MLB in the entire league. Throw in Chamberlain who had a nice year with the Rams, Grubbs to replace Nicks and Colston who’s loss could have really hurt with the exodus of Robert Meachem and this was really good off-season. Just based on the moves on the field I’d say B+ for Loomis and the Saints.

Agree? Disagree?

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